Commonwealth Club of California Podcast Michael McFaul: Autocrats vs Democrats and the New Global Order
Nov 24, 2025
Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, discusses his book, Autocrats vs. Democrats. He warns about the aggressive rise of China and Russia's strategies amid a new cold war. McFaul emphasizes the need for America to adapt, defending democracy-promotion efforts and highlighting the importance of foreign assistance. He contrasts the ideological tactics of Russia and China's state-led models. Lastly, he calls for stronger support for Ukraine and the revitalization of democratic institutions globally.
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How A High School Debate Changed His Life
- Michael McFaul discovered his interest in Russia in high school after joining debate and arguing for expanded trade with the Soviet Union.
- He then studied Russian at Stanford and took a life-changing study-abroad to Leningrad in 1983 that set his career path.
Black Market Lessons In Moscow
- As a student in Moscow McFaul worked on the black market exchanging currency and selling books to make money and meet people.
- Those experiences exposed him to corruption and turned him into a committed opponent of Soviet communism.
New Cold War, Not A Repeat Of The Old
- McFaul argues we're in a new Cold War that resembles the old one in some ways but differs in crucial respects.
- He warns against groupthink that equates China with the Soviet Union and advocates nuanced analysis.
